Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary in Boston, MA-NH

In the Boston, MA-NH area, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors earn a median annual salary of $60,780, which is slightly above the national median of $59,190. This reflects an hourly rate of approximately $29.22. When compared to the local area's median household income of $112,484, the typical earnings for these professionals represent around 54% of the average household income. This comparison highlights that while counselors earn a respectable wage within their field, they still fall short of the regional median household income levels, which may be influenced by diverse employment sectors and varying income ranges across different professions in the area.

Entry-level substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Boston, MA-NH typically start at around $44,460 per year, representing the 10th percentile salary. As they gain experience, their earnings can increase significantly, with those at the 25th percentile earning about $48,320 annually. More experienced counselors who reach the 75th percentile earn approximately $74,300, and those in the top 10% of earners achieve salaries around $91,260. This substantial range is driven by several factors, including experience level, specialization within mental health fields, geographic demand, and additional qualifications such as certifications or advanced degrees that can enhance expertise and command higher pay.